Sermons on Paul Barreca:

How To Avoid Destructive Conflict Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

The story of Rachel and Leah's fight over mandrakes can teach us an important lesson about avoiding conflict!

My wife asked me “What is your sermon on?” I told her “Rachel and Leah and their argument over Mandrakes” Her response was “Well, How does that apply to my life?” That's a good question, but I can assure you that the story of Rachel and Leah's fight over ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hard Way - Why God Uses Diffictul People In Our Lives Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 2, 2013

Today we want to remember that GOD uses difficult people to build our character, to make us stronger. Such people reveal hidden faults and deepen our trust in God

Charles R. Swindoll provides the following story which he calls “Tension in the Tank.” "In the northeastern United States, codfish are not only delectable, they are a big commercial business. There's a market for eastern cod all over, especially in sections farthest removed from the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wrestling With God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 2, 2013

Here, God empties Jacob of his NATURAL effort and teaches Jacob to trust Him completely.

What images come to mind when I mention the word wrestling? For some, it is an image of a High school wrestling match. Others happily envision Dad wrestling with his son. And a few of us think of the theater of “professional wrestling” with Iron Rings of death and tag team death ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Can We Do About Abortion?

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 21, 2014

Christians respond to help the helpless because God rescued us. There is no one more helpless than a child whose mother has been told that the best thing that she can do is to have an abortion. What can we do to save those unborn children?

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday. It has been 41 years since 1973 Since then, 57 million Abortions in the US It’s hard to talk about abortion and not get emotional. Our daughter and her husband are expecting a new baby. Their friends have a tiny newborn. We can’t imagine an unwanted ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep The Faith When Trials Come Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 17, 2014

These principles from James 1 will help us keep the faith when trials come.

Recently, Addie Zierman wrote an article on“Five Churchy Phrases that are Scaring Off Millenials.” This age group currently in their 20's objects to statements that appear insincere or dishonest. One of the statements that doesn’t pass the “sniff test” with them is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep The Faith When Seeking Wisdom Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 17, 2014

We All need God’s help and will receive it when we choose the path of Wisdom

How can you honor God when faced with important decisions? In the 1989 blockbuster, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Jones is battling an evil Nazi scientist. Jones and the scientist are at the end of their quest and are in a room filled with chalices, one of which is supposedly ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Are Your Passions? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 6, 2014

We can have victory because God is greater than the temptation that comes our way, God has determined that we will ultimately gain victory over sin, and He is FOR US in this current struggle.

Why do I sin? In a lovers dispute in Alaska, 28 year old Gordon Druck, was charged with misdemeanor assault and second-degree felony burglary for allegedly pushing his girlfriend to the ground and later breaking into the village school where she was hiding from him. He told troopers “I ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Obedience To The Word - Fuel For A Steadfast Faith Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 14, 2014

Your speech reveals whether your heart has been changed by the Word.

Your speech reveals whether your heart has been changed by the Word. James 1:19-26 Our Words to Others Reveal our Faithfulness to God The theme of “STEADFASTNESS” is still prevalent, even in this passage on the tongue. (1:25) James will address the tongue again in 3:1-12 He is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Our Words Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 27, 2014

Our words reveal what our heart contains, so listen carefully to yourself to see whether or not your faith is real.

Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word may light the day A timely word may lessen stress A ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tests For The Tongue Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 2, 2014

Nuclear power can be harnessed to bring destruction or benefit. The same is true for our tongue.

Sermon Notes June 1, 2014 Tests for the Tongue James 1:5-12 At 5 AM on July 16, 1945, in northern New Mexico, the pre-dawn sky was instantaneously illuminated by the blinding flash. The mushroom cloud from the first Atomic detonation spilled upward for 40,000 feet and was visible for 60 ...read more

Scripture: James 3:4-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Peace That Comes From Heavenly Wisdom Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 10, 2014

James describes how to identify counterfeit earthly wisdom and enjoy the inner peace that comes from heavenly wisdom.

There is a familiar picture of a man at the base of a lighthouse, standing in an open door. A giant wave smashing against the lighthouse, but the man seems oblivious to the danger around him. The picture is called“Lighthouse in the Storm” and was taken by French photographer Jean ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Walk Like A Man

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 24, 2014

KING DAVID is an excellent example of a godly man. He was the killer of bears, lions and Giant Philistines! He was a warrior, Poet, Soldier, Leader. Look at how David encourage his son Solomon to be a man!

We have many ideas concerning what it means to “be a man.” - power - independence - athletic achievement This is an important consideration for us in our day and age. For the first time in American history, there is great GENDER CONFUSION. Boys don’t know what it means to be boys, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Root Of Your Problem Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 24, 2014

When we follow worldly wisdom, the evidence will be demonstrate in the quarrels and fights that occur in our churches and in our other relationships. The problem is solved when we humble ourselves before God and before others.

“A new movie, “Fight Church,” raises the unusual question: “Can you love your neighbor while kneeing him in the face?” (Source: ABC news, abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/church-fight-club-pits-pastor-pastor-23188184 The documentary, by directors Daniel Junge and Bryan ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Ten Commands For Peaceful Living Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 3, 2014

James 4:7-10 is a series of ten rapid-fire instructions that provide God’s Ten Commandments for restoring peace in your relationships.

Our study of James 4 has focused on the results of following worldly wisdom as opposed to godly wisdom. This theme of two kinds of wisdom was introduced in chapter 3. “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” (James ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let God Be Judge Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 7, 2014

One of the characteristics of a worldly minded Christian is a judgmental spirit. This sermon draws a distinction between speaking the truth about sin, and lifting ourselves up as the judge over other people's behavior.

If you have ever seen a court proceeding in England, you will have noticed that British judges and lawyers still wear Victorian era wigs at certain times in the proceedings. Most important, a judge will put on a long white wig prior to announcing the verdict to a defendant. There is a reason for ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational